Temporary pontoon bridge over the Tigris at Mosul, Iraq, connecting to a more solid construction further across the flow. The view is from Mosul toward the long low Tell Mound marking the site of the Ancient city of Nineveh. Capital of the Assyrian Empire from the 8th century BC until its destruction by the Medes under King Cyaxares in 612 BC, the visible remains of Nineveh are now the massive walls surrounding the site and the two Tell deposits of Kuyunjik (pictured) and Tell Nebi Yunus. When the river rose, the pontoon section was detached and moored alongside the near (Mosul-side) river-bank.